Fletcher in the News

Elliot Ackerman (F03) Appointed White House Fellow (2012-13)

Date: September 4, 2012

White House Appoints 2012-2013 Class Of White House Fellows

Today, the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships announced the appointment of the 2012-2013 Class of White House Fellows. The Fellows come from diverse backgrounds, varied professions, and have all shown a strong commitment to public service and leadership. …

…The White House Fellows Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to give promising American leaders “first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal government, and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.” This unique opportunity to work within our nation’s government is designed to encourage active citizenship and a lifelong commitment to service. The Fellows also take part in an education program designed to broaden their knowledge of leadership, policy formulation, and current affairs. Community service is another essential element of the program, and Fellows participate in service projects throughout the year in the Washington, DC area. …

… 2012-2013 Class of White House Fellows

Elliot Ackerman, Washington, DC, is the Chief Operating Officer for Americans Elect, an initiative that offers a nonpartisan platform for individuals to run for elected office. Prior to this, he served as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer and Special Operations Officer, and later as a Paramilitary Case Officer in the Central Intelligence Agency. Over the course of eight years, he conducted multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. He also participated in post-Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. As a Special Operations Officer, Elliot led a team of fourteen Marines who served as the primary combat advisors to a 700-man Afghan commando battalion. As an Infantry Officer, Elliot led a 46-man rifle platoon during the November 2004 Battle of Fallujah. Elliot holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School, and earned his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Tufts University. He has served on the board of the Afghan Scholars Initiative and as an advisor to the No Greater Sacrifice Scholarship Fund. His published works have appeared in Politico, Comparative Strategy Journal, and The Marine Corps Gazette among others. Elliot’s military awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart.